Dr. Bonnie Bassler

Professor

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Biography

Bonnie L. Bassler is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is the Andrew K. Golden University Professor and Squibb Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, as well as an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms bacteria use for intercellular communication, specifically through a process known as quorum sensing. This process enables bacteria to detect and respond to changes in population density via secreted signaling molecules, which ultimately coordinates gene expression within bacterial communities. Dr. Bassler's efforts have paved the way for novel therapies aimed at disrupting quorum-sensing-mediated communication to combat bacterial infections. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and has held leadership positions in the Princeton University Council for Science and Technology. Dr. Bassler has received numerous accolades for her contributions to microbiology, including the MacArthur Fellowship, the Theobald Smith Society Waksman Award, the Eli Lilly Investigator Award, and the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Science, among others. She has also served on various scientific boards and editorial positions in prestigious journals, impacting the future of research in molecular biology and microbiology.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

1994-08-01 — Present

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

Leading research on quorum sensing in bacteria and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Awards

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National Medal of Science

2024-05-01
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Gairdner International Award

2023-05-01
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Princess Asturias Award

2023-05-01
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Technical Scientific Research Award

2023-05-01
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Microbiology Society Prize Medal

2022-05-01
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Wolf Prize in Chemistry

2022-05-01
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Paul Ehrlich Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize

2021-05-01
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Feodor Lynen Award

2020-05-01
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Genetics Society of America Medal

2020-05-01
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Gruber Genetics Prize

2020-05-01
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Dickson Prize in Medicine

2018-05-01
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Ernst Schering Prize

2018-05-01
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Pearl Meister Greengard Prize

2016-05-01
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FASEB Excellence in Science Award

2016-05-01
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Elected member of the National Academy of Medicine

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Max Planck Research Award

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Shaw Laureate

2015-05-01
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Excellence in Teaching Award

2014-05-01
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American Philosophical Society Award

2012-05-01
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Royal Society Fellowship Award

2012-05-01
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Honorary Degree

2012-05-01
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L’Oreal-UNESCO Women in Science Award

2011-05-01
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Richard Lounsbery Award

2011-05-01

Requirements for Princeton University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Speaking
Required:27
IELTS
Speaking
Required:8
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science Strong background in mathematics, materials, physics, or related engineering
Application Checklist
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are not accepted. Ph.D. is the primary degree; students are not required to hold an M.S.E. prior to admission.